Since initiation of this project in 2010 WDFW has focused on expanding the instream PIT tag detection site (IPTDS) infrastructure in the upper Columbia River basin and developing PIT tag based steelhead escapement models. As of now, escapement into the four major populations in the upper Columbia River basin (Wenatchee, Entiat, Methow and Okanogan Rivers) and all major spawning areas within those populations are able to be estimated with associated error based on the models developed.

Beginning in 2015, the focus of the project will shift to radio telemetry monitoring, using fish radio and PIT tagged at Priest Rapids Dam to validate PIT tag based estimates and estimate prespawn mortality for fish that spawn in the mainstem of the Wenatchee, Entiat, Methow, and Okanogan Rivers. Radio tagging and tracking (stationary and mobile) will begin in July.

A key component to all these activities is the steelhead stock assessment work at Priest Rapids Dam during which a random sample of steelhead are trapped for sampling and tagging. Fish are systematically sampled three days per week, with the goal of obtaining a 15% tag rate representative of the entire run. A total of 3,249 adult steelhead were tagged at PRD in 2014, amounting to a 17.3% tag rate. The three day a week sampling scheme will continue in 2015.

WDFW technicians will continue to operate and maintain IPTDS in the upper Columbia River basin in order to maximize operational time and data quality at all WDFW operated sites. All IPTDS operated by WDFW in the upper Columbia River basin are operated consistent with protocols and guidelines developed under the ISEMP project (BPA contract 2003-017-00).

Under this project all major data gaps in the upper Columbia River basin IPTDS network have been filled. However, significant data gaps related to VSP parameters (abundance, productivity and spatial structure) of spring Chinook and steelhead remain throughout the upper Columbia River basin. This project will continue to focus on filling these remaining data gaps. Under this contract period, we will evaluate egg-to-fry survival patterns and parr distribution and habitat utilization within the Wenatchee River basin. Egg-to-fry survival will be examined by constructing artificial redds in Nason Creek, the Little Wenatchee River, the upper mainstem Wenatchee River, and the White River. The survival patterns that are discovered through this process may contribute to habitat restoration project prioritization, life-cycle modeling, and the variability of incubation survival within the Wenatchee River basin. Parr distribution and habitat utilization surveys will be conducted seasonally; sampling the entire mainstem Wenatchee River habitats for PIT tagged fish. Methods will include a combination of floating and walking with mobile PIT tag detection equipment and snorkeling to visually evaluate fish distribution. Juvenile rearing locations can be used to identify preferred habitat types and, in turn, potential restoration actions. Detections of marked fish can be used for survival models.

WDFW will be the research lead for the project and obtain all necessary environmental compliance permits for the project which includes FY15 contract requisition #'s: 285357 and 285358. Andrew Murdoch will be the point of contact for WDFW. Colville Confederated Tribes (CCT) will be the primary contractor for the Okanogan Basin; FY15 CR #: 285358. John Arterburn is the point of contact for CCT.

Background on the project:

A unique, well-coordinated and standardized monitoring and evaluation program(s) exists in the Upper Columbia River Basin.  Monitoring and evaluation programs are funded by a combination of federal (BPA, BOR, USFWS), State, Tribal, and regional (PUDs) entities.    While all these various programs contribute data to estimate VSP parameters for steelhead and spring Chinook salmon, these programs also share common deficiencies related to precision and accuracy of the abundance estimates.  Existing M & E activities combined with recent advances in PIT tag technology provide an opportunity to improve the quality of the data generated in order to make proper management decisions concerning ESA listed species.  The overall objectives of the project are to: 1) estimate run escapement of hatchery and wild steelhead in each of the four primary populations, 2) estimate the precision of redd counts for both steelhead and spring Chinook and 3) evaluate the accuracy of the steelhead spawning ground survey design and determine the proportion of spawners outside the survey area.  WDFW will be the research lead for the project and obtain all necessary environmental compliance permits for the project.  Colville Confederated Tribes will be the primary contractor for the Okanogan Basin.  In 2015, we intend to initiate a steelhead radio telemetry study to independently validate estimates generated from PIT tags and to estimate steelhead population characteristics (overwinter survival, number of redds per female).  These tasks address in part or fully the critical uncertainties identified under Supplementation in the Columbia River Basin Research Plan (2006-03) and steelhead population characteristics (abundance, productivity, and ratio of hatchery fish) under the Fish and Wildlife Program.  Additionally, all of the studies in this proposal are directly consistent with RPAs for the FCRPS BiOp.